*
I installed Eagle windows and am super impressed with them. (Not related to Eagle Hardware, manufactured in Wash.) They are a wood window with a 1 1/2″ 11 ply laminated carcass, pine inside with aluminum cladding outside in a variety of stock colors with any color available by special order. They don’t prohibit the use of foam sealant, probably because the 11 ply frames are so stiff. Still, I like to use the minimally expanding foam where warpage could be a problem. Another nice feature is that the nailing flanges fold back flat against the sides for shipping, which also makes it possible to install them from the inside! I had some huge windows way up high and by screwing some temp blocking to keep the units from going out too far, I could fold the flanges back and put the windows in the holes easily from the inside. Better and cheaper than Andersen.
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Replies
*
I'm getting ready to build a small (20x38) summer cottage and need to make window purchases. Looking at Anderson ($3000) Pella Pro-line ($2500). Any experience out there with the Pella Pro-line - are these substantially similar to the other Pella products?
Also, I see lots of you recommending vinyl windows, and I like the idea due to their low maintenance. However, I want to have stained wood interior jambs, etc - can I use vinyl windows and still accomplish this?
*
Agreed! and that extension stuff is expensive!
Look at he whole pictue before you buy!
*The pella pro line are a limited (stock sizes) version of the pella product line (or is that rollscreen). They are also all wood, a feature that is important to some (me!). Optional features are limited or nonexistent (it's been a few years since I sold windows). They are substantially similar. I won't say whether that is good or bad, that will be up to you.I remodeled my last home and made it maintenance free. That is what the neighborhood dictated. I chose white vinyl. I too wanted a little more interesting interior, and looked at simulated wood interior finishes. They looked too cheesy for my tastes. They might be better nowadays. I opted instead to trim them out with oak jams, and a picture framed oak casing. We then installed vetical blinds, and it turned out to be a vey nice combination. The oak contrasts nicely with the white windows, and complimented our white countertops, that had an oak edging. I have just as much vinyl showing on this house with my andersons, but it is an ugly match with the stained wood.You will be able to create a nice blend, on the inside, if you can get the outside to work, with the vinyl. I'm contemplating a large renovation around here, but don't think I can work in the vinyl exterior colors. If I can, I will use them. I was very happy with the last one that I used for many reasons. And fortunatly, I don't suffer from that very common aversion to plastic! I actually bought a Benelli this year and threw my 25 year old remington 1100 into the closet!That ought to start a thread!Blue
*Agreed. A thermal is no more than two singles, sealed as a unit. The seals will fail, especially on the south side of the house. One would be wise to make sure that the sash are easy to replace, and standard sizes will make keep the replacement costs to a minimum.My point was going to be, that the costs of custom building a single pane window would blow the cost comparisons out of the ballpark. Since you are actually doing that in your restoration work, I don't have to tell you. And therefore it's far more economical to stick with the massproduced theemal units. It' the old massproducion discounts that skew theoretical cost comparisons. It happens all the time!I have a solar building friend (an engineeing type)that calculated every possible window system imaginable. He eventually built his own windows, using a 4 pane fixed glass unit, built out of #2 pine and some type of butyl caulking. His operating windows were triple pane hurds. He's an eccentric type, but was able to save thousands by buying a huge stack of doorwall sized single panes at wholesale prices ($17 each, I think). I'm going to get him online soon and let him fight it out wiht you guys. I'm just carpenter that has set lots of junk! I set what the builders send and form my opinions on the way it falls apart as we try to hoist it into the openings! And a lot of stuff falls apart pretty easily!Oh yeah, most vinyl companies will give a very long warranty, many times lifetime (and they honor it too)!That kinda changes the equation. Blue
*Enough said on this subject Blue because we kinda lost sight of the original question.However, if any of you tradesman want to see window testing being done on thermal panes, where they accelerate hot cold wet dry cycles, and you're visiting Canada's national capital, Ottawa, take a little time off your schedule and visit the construction product testing lab. at the National Research Council campus.The NRC has an open door policy for anyone wanting information. Visits are arranged for individuals as well as groups.There is always ongoing testing going on that would interest anyone in the building trade. Test are done on every imagineable product from asphalt to steel to soundproofing to etc and there are proof of concept housing near the site for your inspection.
*Blue, is the Benelli/Remington your subtle way of saying don't tread on me? :)May I suggest you switch to plastic bullets, too?
*I love my Benelli!
*Benelli , Remington, I kinda lean toward a SPAS myself!!
*What is a SPAS?Blue
*Andersons are an ok window but some wht limited by sizes. Pella pro lines, for a cheap window are ok. I put a houseful in a couple years ago. They don't make the bows trim freindly though. If you aren't an experiencd trim carpenter you will find them very challenging
*S.P.A.S.-12 L FRANCHI S.P.A.,, 12 Ga., 9 shot,folding stock, pump or auto , and more !!
*
Bill --
Coming from MN (home of Andersen and Marvin), the hype here is intense. Marvin does nice work, though on my own house I went North -- Canada, that is. I'll throw my hat over to Willmar windows (produced in Winnepeg). The woodwork is beautiful, the cladding and weatherstripping is tight, they offer MANY different efficiency options (up to a heatshield option), and are built for cold weather climates.
But when I built my house, the best feature of Willmar was the price -- I drove my work truck up to Thunder Bay, Ontario, and paid Canadian dollars for them (a savings of close to 20% US). After a 1/2 hour "discussion" with the US customs guards, and a $30 duty, I was home free.
I've had three seal failures, but that's normal in triple panes for a normal house (according to Willmar). Warranty work was great. My experience is that Andersens' seals fail at about the same rate.
If you live close to the border, consider a quote from a local yard in Canada. Good luck!
PS. I'd be interested to hear from you Canadians about your experiences with Willmar's clad and vinyl windows.
*
Steven the Willmar line of windows is very much like the Anderson or Pella windows. Expensive and not any better than the rest.
Nice brochures do not make a window.
Saved over $10,000 on last project quote from Willmar as compared to other windows that were actually better.
As builders, we all have a good feel of what makes a good window and it's installation good.
Depending on our local conditions and experiences, we have all our favourites and stick by them.
*
Gabe,
You are quite correct about our favorites, and I have not been able to convince many homeowners to try a "new" line of windows here, but we should not "close our eyes" to other opportunities in such an important decision for our clients.
I don't read the brochures.
*
Gabe, does your last post say that you used the willmars, and saved over 10,000 dollars?
In the first line your saying thatthey are priced tha same as andersons. The second line says you saved.
Im just confused.
Since I'm only 1 hr from the blue water bridge, it could be an optoin that I might explore.
We get a lot of trusses from thorndale, a canadien manufacturer.
*Trusses?Thought you stick built everything?Now I am confused!!
*There are trusses on 95% of my jobs. The roofs are 80% trussed, with 20% conventional. A lot of my posts speak of trusses.Blue
*When I was attending the union apprentice school manyyears ago, the instructor warned us that all the houses that are usng trusses would fail. It's ironic because the only sagging roofs are the conventional!Blue
*No Blue, I saved 10 grand by using someone elses windows. Willmar were too expensive for the budget but they weren't the best available.
*Thanks for the clarification. Thats what I kinda thought.So, what kind did you use?Blue
*Gabe:Yes, yes, what brand of windows did you use? I am at the point of ordering windows for a house and up untill this time I was leaning toward Andersons.Thanks,Frank
*Trusses can't sag...it's a little known fact that the metal plates used to hold them together are made out of a special alloy. This alloy has special anti-gravitational characteristics that keep the trusses from sagging. Only problem is that occasionally they screw up the mix and put too much anti-gravitational compound in the alloy. That's when you get truss-lift.
*Blue I used Polytech Products Ltd, tilt & turn windows from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. They are not on line yet but I understand they will be in the next month or so.Call them for information on their windows and garden doors at(909)295-3246, ask for Janet and tell them you're contractors and use me as a reference.
*Thank you Gabe!Blue
*Gabe, I live in Cape Breton. I haven't made my mind up about Polytech (and I'm naturally inclined to support local companies).The homeowners just put a houseful in on a recent big job. I trimmed out the outsides over the vinyl, and was working around them while I was doing interior stuff and the kitchen. I am NOT a window expert, but i did run an interior shutter company for three years, and saw most of them. Polytech looks OK, nice options (tilt, etc.)but no better than most on the market. I saw and heard a lot of company bullshit, and their installers don't know anything (not that that would bother anyone buying them to install themselves). I will put a plug in here for any Canadian manufacturers; i think we are at the top of the heap when it comes to cutting edge building materials. I just don't think any of the windows out there are all that great. My personal peeve is Pella; crap.
*Adrian, go up the Cabot Trail, use Exit 11, 6 kms past the college, on your right hand side, you will find the residence of Wayne and Frances McClure.Check out the back wall of the building, it was all done with Polytech. The roadside view is deceiving because it looks like a 1 1/2 storey house but it is actually a 3 storey bed and breakfast. The back wall will demonstrate what is posible with Polytech windows.
*
Just a few more comments....My best friend is an Andersen window dealer, so I have always used a lot of them. It's kind of like growing up in MoTown in the 60's and having an uncle who was a Rambler dealer.
I must say that I was not impressed with a lot of their products, but they have come around in the last 3 or 4 years and made big improvements, especially in their double- hungs and sliders.
I really HATE those stupid snap in nailing flanges on their windows and doors. They are nothing but trouble, especially in very cold weather. I have never had any kind of a problem with their cladding system and rarely ever have a window glass problem. I think it's VERY important to choose a window company that provides a good warranty and replacement parts for years into the future. Andersen is excellent in this respect.
I think some of their window lines are overpriced and some could be improved upon. I do know that from the standpoint of name recognition in the Midwest, they are second to none. This can be important to a builder/seller who wants to use well known products in their homes.
I wouldn't hesitate to use them in a new home of my own, but then again I sure would spend some time and take a close look at the competition!
*Gabe,I would be interested to hear about this $10,000 savings between Willmar and Polytech. Was that canadian $ or US $? What kind of wood do they use? Did you run any quotes on US windows on this same bid you discussed? My experience with the Willmar window line was extremely positive, so if you found an even better company to deal with I would be interested. Willmar's patio/garden doors were terrible to work with. Minnesota is a long way from Nova Scotia.
*
Steven, that was Canadian Dollars.
The Polytech window is a heavy duty vinyl extraction with multiple chambers. The frame and sash both have galvanized steel re-enforcing in them. The tilt and turn principal has the window openning inward when the handle is horizontal, tilting inward when the handle is facing up and locked around the entire perimeter when facing down.
The window closes like a refrigerator in that there is a gasket sealing the sash to frame assembly in two places, around the entire perimeter.
With regards to the garden doors from Willmar, all european type garden doors are well built, but I have a personnal problem with them, even the polytech ones.
Technically, they are simply big windows with a window type sill as opposed to a door type sill, which means it collects dirt like nobody's business.
I understand Polytech is working on the problem.
It's a matter of tradeoff. If they flatten the sill, they lose some of the airtight qualities. At the present time polytech windows are commercial rated for air and water infiltration so I don't think the doors will change in the near future.
hope this answers your questions.
*
Hey, thanks Gabe! Could the big discrepancy in cost be between comparing Willmar's (wood interior, metal clad exterior) with the vinyl Polytech's you've discussed? I've never priced out Willmar's vinyl windows -- have you? I've heard that that's where the future of window technology is going.
As to the garden doors, I've had to "tweek" them each fall and spring to keep them from dragging. They are very airtight. I don't mind stepping over the sill (wouldn't like to do it in a wheelchair, though).
*
As gabe mentioned, there is a battle going on within the design industry regarding air infiltration on all doorwalls. If it's too airtight, it won't slide ans roll easy.
You seem to be making the most of your doorwall, tweaking it each season. If it's not to much a pain, I suppose I would tweak mine too.
I probably wouldn't though, and that's why I won't buy a doorwall. I'll have fixed glass, and a singing door. Doorwalls are best left to those that livein moderate climates.
*
Blue --
You don't have a wife, apparently, like the one that I have! She HAD to have it! Now, I have to live with it!
So all I can do is tweek, tweek, tweek.
*
Your a good man Steven, so keep tweekin'
I've got a good wife, and she probably would want a doorwall, but I've managed to convince her (that was easy, she's a big money monger) that doorwalls are energy wasters!
But she gets even in other areas. I wanted an offshore duckboat, she wanted a pontoon. She got the pontoon!
But I managed to get a 70horse, 4stroke, fuel injection, electonic ignition, with power steering, pontoon boat! Argh, Argh, argh!
*
Blue --
Compromise is the spice of life! Does your pontoon do 0 - 60 in under 10 seconds??? More power!!
Steve
*
Just finshed putting in 20 and have 12 more to go -- I think they are works of art. I really do not think you can beat them. Please consider the factory finish interior -- its an extra $14 bucks and extra 5 week wait but it is all worth it.
dudley
*
My experience with Anderson has been good. Well made, and they stand behind their product. I've seen some 25+ years old on a north wall in a old Me. farmhouse and they still work well. Make sure you don't use expanding foam to insulate around the windows.... this can distort the window and make it tough to open and close.jc
*Homeowner Harry Here: On Cape cod we get 40mph horizontal rain in a Northeaster several times a year. I was advised to put in Andersons and I did ...at a pretty high cost. But not a drop of water leaks in. Color me Happy Harry. In milder conditions I might try a cheaper brand.You need foam for good insulation. I used expanding foam but ran a smaller bead so it would not distort the window. Anderson can void the warranty if foam is the problem. Don't they sell less dangerous foam now?
*
Almost all windows have arating that would keep 40 mph winds out.
Marvin actually has a superior rating tha resists wind blown rain. I can't remeber what that ratingis called, but they beat anderson, and pella.
*
I put Anderson windows in my home 14 years ago. Never a problem. I would use them again.
*Having worked with glass and windows for over ten years I'd have to go with Blue on this one. I don't think the Anderson windows are worth the extra money you pay for them. Nor was I ever especially impressed with there design, or structural integrity.As for me I live in florida so thermal pane vs. single glazed is not that big a deal here, especially in an older house. As far as glass goes for warmer Climates I recomend bronze or grey glass, or low-e glass in colder climates. For your best insulating factor, thickness is key. A 7/8" overall thickness will give you more than double the iffeciency of a 1/2" unit with identical glass. I'd ster clear of the argon filled units or your triple panes, because it tends to add a lot to the price tag for not a tremendous amount of energy savings. Also these are often very difficult to replace after market (like when your kids hit a homer through your living room window).I think any of a dozen different manufacturers make a good all vynle window (which wheather better than a wood window) but if you have your heart set on wood (or a wood/vynle hybrid) check out Pella. They make several exelent quality wood windows.Good Luck :}
*
A window's a window.
J
*OK, now I'm really confused. My CABO 1995 with 1997 update sheet says the egress windows need a clear vertical opening of 22" but the Anderson web site only says 24" or larger opening windows meet egress rule. Who's right? Must be one of them other code books.Frank
*I think anderson is saying that their 24" windows meet the 22" egress rules. That tells you how thin their jambs are. I don't use 1x4's for studs, and I don't use andersons!Blue
*
O.K. guys,
weekend warior here, just enough knowledge to make me dangerous, just enough skill to do a nice job with out getting hurt, but it takes me a wile! If I did it for a living we would starve.
Going to replace all my old windows, 1950's vintage, steel frame jewls. My wife has fallen in love with Andersen products, tilt wash, double hung, dual pane glass, natural wood inside, vinal clad outside. I don't mind the expense so much as long as these things are as good as advertised.
I lurk here a lot, I have learned a ton of stuff just reading all the posts.
SO how about it, is ANDERSEN the quality they advertise? Will I be happy with them 20 years form now?
Thanks, Bill
*My experience is limited, but I have installed them and I think the answers are yes and yes.Rich Beckman
*I think they are over rated, probably due to the extensive national advertising that has gone on for decades. Try looking at a cross section of one of them.I once had a builder complain, that one of their anderson windows seemed to be out of plumb. Upon further inspection, I found that I had set the window level (as normal), and then squared the diagonals, and assumed that they would be plumb. WRONG! It turned out that the width at the bottom, was wider than the top! I offered to make one side jamb plumb, and leave the other, more out of plumb. I also offered to shave the clad window down with my power saw. I think he ended up getting a new one.The anderson windows that I have installed have a very thin (flimsy), clad jamb. The outside thickness is less that a full 3/4"! That means that the inside wood jamb is actually about a 1/2"! I'm all for saving the owls, but there's a limit! The builder also accused us of installing them wrong, since many were wedged stuck. His laborer had went around and squeezed expanding foam, around the edges (voiding the anderson warranty) and the bricklayers had layed their brick tight, to the exterior jambs (also voiding the anderson warranty). And the builder wanted ME to do something about it. I told him I'd tear all the brick down, and scrape out the foam, for a fee of course!I'm always suspicious of a window company that won't offer an unclad window. What are they trying to hide?I currently have anderson in this (my) house, thanks to the previous remodellers. They are double hung clads, and the ugly colored cladding comes through and is integrated with the stained wood! It is a horrible looking mess, and I can't wait to pitch the whole load into the compost pile. My front picture window, has more clad showing inside, than wood!Maybe the company has changed their products, but I'd rather throw in the ceapest vinyl, rather than use andersons. In twenty some years of contract framing, I've only ran into one builder that used anderson (see above) regularly. I would actually not bid work, for a builder, that uses anderson's (opn a regular basis) because of their (the anderson company) lack of committment to new construction. Our local window companies deliver and install the screens just prior to closing (how many anderson screens survive the building process), and adjust all the windows. They (the anderson's) seem to be a diy'er dream come true though. Every diyer puts them in, mainly because they are on display at the lumberyards.We are fortunate that we have a few local wood window manufacturers that deliver a reasonable good product at very competitive prices. I'm going for the MLC line. I'd probably save 50% by using the MLC=generic, but the u-values, and r-values would be similar.I don't like the clads, because of the color schemes that you get locked into.Thanks for the chance to slam em'Blue"OK, who stopped payment on my reality check?"
*Bill just about all window companies have good windows with a a wide spectrum of pricing and designs.The most difficult is to be able to sidestep the hipe and get down to the meat. The differences between a single pane window with storm window, a double thermal pane and a triple thermal pane is mostly the price. The actual payback of thermal installations isn't worth banking on. But the market got caught up in the hipe and now demand Thermals because they actually believe that they are saving money. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Anyone who does restoration work knows that when they replace a window in a 100 year old house with a thermal pane that it will never see 100 years like the original, so where are the savings. To match history you would have to replace unbroken thermal panes with failed seals 4 or 5 times.The National Research Council tests every thermal pane on the market and the end result is none are better than the rest. Standard to standard, Argon to Argon etc.The difference between a 10 year warranty and a 20 year warranty is a 20 warranty is price structured to include 1 replacement based on a risk assessment experience.If the Anderson window pleases you then thats the way to go. To put one window over another doesn't work. Some are easier to install, some are easier to maintain and some are easier to clean but none are everything to everyone. If this was the case there would be only one window company, one door company, one car company.
*Gabe, are you suggesting that he use a single pane? Here on MI, we'd freeze our tooshes, and probably wouldn't pass the energy code without a 10' pile of insulation in the attic!Blue
*Well, after Blue's post, I feel a need to clarify.I had no problems with the installation of the Andersen windows, but I was the only person involved and I was installing into a brand new wall. The customer is still happy with them. There are four Andersen windows in my house (a previous occupant added on), and I have no problems with them.Andersen windows are ubiquitous, but I haven't heard anything bad about them around here.On the other hand, I wouldn't buy them for myself because I don't like the way they look, and I suspect that there are better windows for not that much more money. Personally, I look forward to my first experience (someday) with Marvin's.So, in my LIMITED experience, the quality is good. And if you like the windows today (you say your wife loves them, but what about you), then I don't know why you wouldn't like them in 20 years.Rich Beckman
*The short of it is that there are quite a few window manufacturers. i don't know if you've looked around, but you might do a lot better with a less familiar brand. Windows are actually fascinating little bits of engineering.My priority was real wood muntins (not the clip-on junk), so Marvin was the choice for us. I'm not a cladding fan -- painting a window is not that difficult with pop-out sash (on the other hand, maybe I'm a slob, but it rarely occurs to me to wash the outside of the window?). Clad is very very popular if one color forever is not a problem -- Marvin forbids painting cladding for some reason. If I chose cladding, I'd pick good extruded aluminum over vinyl in a second. A lot of people like Hurd for highly-insulated casements. Then there is Pella (I was unimpressed, as with Anderson). And MW, etc., etc. And you can choose argon, krypton, etc. ,etc.Funny -- I recall someone saying early on that Anderson was best for new construction, not retrofit. Certainly they are a big fish around here in new stuff, maybe just seem so because they have those huge yellow stickers. Whatever Blue may tell you big is not always better. Or maybe that is what he's telling you -- I lost track halfway through his War & Peace! :)
*Yes blue I do.I work north of you and a good single pane window system WITH a storm window properly installed will be far more cost effective than most thermal panes.FACT: The replacement cost of thermals is much higher than the savings in fuel when compared to proper single pane applications.I'm not talking about single pane sliders in a vinyl frame or even a wooden frame. What I'm talking about is the old standard wood frame, wood sash or solid installations found in a million homes build before you and I started to wet a diaper.
*I installed Eagle windows and am super impressed with them. (Not related to Eagle Hardware, manufactured in Wash.) They are a wood window with a 1 1/2" 11 ply laminated carcass, pine inside with aluminum cladding outside in a variety of stock colors with any color available by special order. They don't prohibit the use of foam sealant, probably because the 11 ply frames are so stiff. Still, I like to use the minimally expanding foam where warpage could be a problem. Another nice feature is that the nailing flanges fold back flat against the sides for shipping, which also makes it possible to install them from the inside! I had some huge windows way up high and by screwing some temp blocking to keep the units from going out too far, I could fold the flanges back and put the windows in the holes easily from the inside. Better and cheaper than Andersen.
*Bill H,As with most manufacturers every now and then something they produce is not perfect and does get by their quality controls. I have installed many windows by the top three manufacturers, Andersen, Marvin and Pella. They are all well made and work well. They all stand by their product if you should have a problem (in my personal experience). For the money you will spend and the easy of installation, Andersen windows and doors are "hard" to beat. $50,000 at a time!Joseph FuscoView Image
*Gabe, do you have data that backs up your statment? Who sells these single pane window anymore? I lived in a house with site built double hungs, and wooden storms. If all things were equal, I'd never wish that system on anybody!Unless we are all going to start riding horses to work!I'm flabbergasted at the thought!Throw out some hpothetical figures, so I can try to understand your theory.Blue
*I agree, if the wife loves them, put them in!I've installed the best that Marvin has to offer. They have superior interior detailing, very nice millwork. When you scrutinizwe the data sheets, they have further advantges. You also pay more for them.Is it worth it? Not to me.If someone gave me the entire set of andersons for my house, I might put them in, If the exterior was the right color (it ain't), and that cladding didn't peek into the inside (some models don't). On the other hand, I mght not. It's just a matter of preferences. I wouldn't.Blue
*If there's any advantage to those cheesy flip out flanges, you've identified it! I don't like how the windows flop in the breeze, after they are nailed in though!I don't remember setting any eagle brands, but the fact that they alllow expanding foam tells me something about the rigidity.Blue
*Pella sucks too!Overpriced and undervalued: like meBlue!
*I could not have said it better myself! About you anyway. ;-}Joseph FuscoView Image
*And that is what I'm proudest about!Blue
*DittoJoseph FuscoView Image
*Yea Blue, not only do I have the data but so do you.Go to your local supplier and buy a piece of standard glass 2 ft by 2 ft and then buy a thermal pane 2 ft by 2 ft.Next you put them side by side, outside, exposed to the elements, and wait. Let me know which fails first.
*Um, pella doesn't have a seal. Which is better, a Pella, or a single pane?If I understand you, you are saying that it's cheaper over a hundred year lifespan, to install single glazed windows. And I'm saying, fine, but nobody sells them except maybe pella. How can you compare the costs when there are no costs to compare?!Show me the money!Blue
*Blue, when we are doing a restoration project we build the windows ourselves because of the difficulties in matching milling profiles.When I'm doing a new installation, we also install mostly therma panes, that's what the market wants and that's what the market gets. Personally, I lean towards a good quality vinyl framed window with Low E thermal panes because I hate having to put storms up and down.The point I was making was that in a lifetime of let's say 100 years, you would have spent maybe the cost of 4 thermal windows and that's the cost I'm putting against the original windows. The savings in fuel would have to be more than 500.00 per window.
*I have 20 year old Anderson's in my home. They are not bad, but I did have to replace about six sashes due to sealing failure. As I have mentioned, in my current project, I went with vinyl. The are about 1/3 the cost of Andersons, so over thirty years, you can replace them 4 times for the same initial cost. Used vinyl(that ought to get the wood lovers going) brick molding over nailing flange to make replacement easy. I too have heard that the old single sashes and storms are best. But, my mother has those and every spring and fall the screens have to be switched with the storms and put away, that is when they don't have to be scraped and painted. Don't mind painting, but hate the scraping.Dennis
*So nice of Blue to fill Freddy's role while he's away!
*Actually, the post asked for info about "Andresen" windows. Not familiar with those. ;)I just can't get vinyl off my mind. It haunts my sleeping and waking moments. Here is a picture of a neighbor's house, a monument to vinyl -- and tell me that it doesn't look just fine:View ImageI should add that the owner/husband should never ever be on a ladder (to paint or otherwise). It took half the neighborhood to talk him out of trimming his pin oak by himself ("but I have this friend with a 40-foot ladder....").
*It doesn't look bad in the picture,. I don't care for the flush rakes on the dormer, and the broken sideways stuff at the bottom can go too. The shrubs are a little to sanitized for my tastes, and the wrought iron makes it look like the entrance to a jail. I'm not fond of doublehungs, and I wonder why they used white apron flashing? Don't tell me they have carpeting on their porch?!!!I'm not sure why they have such a plain chimney, and it's missing it's cap!overall, it has a nice balance, and the roof looks good. they probably used 1/2" cdx! Nice siding!Is it for sale, I'm interested!Blue
*Yup, I knew it. Looks like a classy house to me.Must be my blue collar taste. I find the wrought iron very "retro".Dennis
*Bill, Anderson makes a product that I'm sure would suit your needs. Before you go with them, however, do just a bit more research. One thing Anderson does better (and more of) than any other window company is advertising. They're in your face wherever you turn.They have tremendous incentive packages for sales reps and lumberyards as well. The main goal, like most companies, is to push product, and they do it quite well.Take a good up close and personal look at what the different manufacturers ahve to offer. Many lumberyards have displays with windows from the various manufacturers. Go find them and horse around with the windows. Pay close attention to the detailing, the ease of operation, etc.Personally, I prefer Marvin. I like the quality of construction, the style of their muntins, the availability of wood, etc. For me (opinion) they suit my taste quite well. Your needs certainly differ from my own. Discover what you and your bride REALLY want in a window, then go hunting. Don't get what the window that your neighbors will be most impressed with, get the one that suits you best.Good luck.
*We all love the look and feel of wood. I'm having a custom wooden window build now for a remodel. Personally I don't like the clad windows. We have replaced many clad windows where the wood rots under the clading. I'm a big beliver in vinyl windows. We use West windows and have found them to be outstanding. Custom sizes are no problem and there tech support is 2nd to none.They will come out and measure up for free. I had one window that the seal started to fog after three years. Customer called me, I called West the next day a salesman was there and had the window sent by overnight shipping.
*Who distributes West? I am in the midwest in Iowa and Wisconsin. Yes, I like wood also, but find vinyl fits my budget. So, it is helpful to hear other experiences with various brands.Dennis
*Oh yeah. If you decide to get the Andersen, ask the lumberyard when the next truckload sale is scheduled to occur. You save a lot of money if you wait for it.Rich Beckman
*Hello Bill,As a builder, I believe Andersen windows to beoverpriced and overhyped. There are better windowsfor less money on the market. My favorite windowis Hurd.Another thing I dislike about Andersen's is you have to install the extension jambs for whateveryour wall thickness is and you have to finishbuilding the window for them (stops on jamb arejust tacked on). This adds a few extra steps before you can actually trim the window out. Most other windows you can getthe jambs applied and the only thing you nailon is the casing.My experience with AndersenMike Merisko